Published By: Soham Halder

Hydration in Monsoon – Water Isn’t Enough!

Water alone won’t save you — upgrade your monsoon hydration game.

It’s raining outside, the air is damp, and you’re not sweating at all — so you assume you’re drinking sufficient water, right? Not quite.

Monsoon dehydration is a silent culprit, especially in this humid climate. While it may not feel as intense as summer thirst, your body still loses essential fluids through sweat, urine, and digestion — however, you don’t feel it the same way.

So here’s a scientific fact: water isn’t enough during the monsoon. Your body also needs electrolytes, minerals, and moisture-rich foods to maintain its balance. Let’s explore options to stay hydrated, avoid fatigue, and boost immunity the right way — rain or shine.

Why Water Alone Doesn’t Cut It During Monsoon

Humidity plays tricks on your body. It reduces visible sweat, but sweat still evaporates slowly from your skin, making you feel less thirsty. Meanwhile, digestive issues, infections, and low appetite (common in monsoon) can gradually drain your fluids.

Outcome? You may be mildly dehydrated without even realising it with symptoms like:

  • Headaches
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Dry lips or skin
  • Low urine output

That’s why it’s important to hydrate holistically, and not just rely on plain water.

Monsoon Hydration Do’s: Go Beyond Water

Add Electrolytes Naturally

Think about coconut water, an electrolyte rich drink that helps replenish lost minerals. It also supports digestion and is easily available across Indian cities.

Other options:

  • Lemon water with a pinch of salt and sugar
  • Buttermilk (chaas) with jeera and mint
  • ORS (oral rehydration solution) if recovering from illness

Eat Your Water – Hydrating Foods Matter

Incorporate high-water-content fruits and vegetables to your diet. Along with hydration, they boost immunity.

Top picks for monsoon:

  • Cucumber
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Lauki (bottle gourd)
  • Papaya
  • Pears

Avoid water-heavy fruits like watermelon during heavy rainfall— they may cause unwanted bloating.

Herbal Teas Over Caffeinated Ones

  • Chai may be comforting, but caffeine is a natural diuretic — which promotes more water loss through urine.
  • Instead, opt for herbal teas:
  • Ginger-tulsi tea
  • Chamomile
  • Fennel or mint-infused warm water

These teas aid digestion, calm inflammation, and contribute to overall hydration.

Rehydrate After Activity — Even Light Sweating

Even a small walk in humid weather can lead to fluid loss. Always carry a reusable water bottle while going outside. Add chia seeds to water for a hydration as well as fibre boost.

Monitor Your Urine Colour

Want to check your how good your hydration game is? Check your urine. If it’s dark yellow or concentrated, you need more fluid intake. Pale yellow is a healthy sign.

What to Avoid?

  • Fizzy sodas or sugary packaged drinks – These dehydrate more than they hydrate
  • Too much caffeine – Limit coffee or strong tea to 1–2 cups a day
  • Oily, salty foods – They increase your body’s need for water

Hydration isn’t only a summer concern — it’s a year-round commitment, especially in the monsoon when your body loses fluids without much visible signs.

So the next time it pours outside, don’t just sip chai and forget your water goals. Add electrolytes, eat water-rich foods, go easy on caffeine, and listen to your body’s signals.